“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”- Psa. 84:11

Grace is what we need just now, and it is to be had freely. What can be freer than a gift? Today we shall receive sustaining, strengthening, sanctifying, satisfying grace. He has given daily grace until now, and as for the future, that grace is still sufficient. If we have but little grace the fault most lie in ourselves; for the Lord is not straitened, neither is He slow to bestow it in abundance. We may ask for as much as we will and never fear a refusal. He giveth liberally and upbraideth not.

The Lord may not give gold, but He will give grace: He may not give gain, but He will give grace. He will certainly send us trial, but He will give grace in proportion thereto. We may be called to labor and to suffer, but with the call there will come all the grace required;

What an “end” is that in the text — “and glory!” We do not need glory yet, and we are not yet fit for it; but we shall have it in due order. After we have eaten the bread of grace, we shall drink the wine of glory. We must go through the holy, which is grace, to the holiest of all, which is glory. These words and glory are enough to make a man dance for joy. A little while — a little while, and then glory forever! (Faith’s Checkbook).

Indeed, my dear friend, for the believer the best is yet to come!

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”– 2 Timothy 3:16

   Righteousness! Is there any finer ambition, nobler aspiration, or loftier aim than this?

   God could have given us a book that equipped us to “get rich quick.” He could have given us a text that included all of the scientific information that we would need in order to heal every disease or cure every illness. God could even have given us a copy of the Book of Life, which Revelation tells us contains the names of all His children. (20:15) And yet He determined it to be more important to give us the Bible. Why? Because of what it is able to do.

   What can it do? Can it make us wealthy? Yes, with riches that cannot be lost or stolen. Can it treat our illness? Yes, with a balm that ministers to the soul. Can it give us assurance that we will live in Heaven forever? Yes, by describing those to whom eternal life is promised and by instructing us how to live like them.

   Apparently God places a higher value on these spiritual qualities than He does upon the material wealth or health that He could have provided us. Should not we do the same? Shouldn’t we lay aside popularity for purity, safety for sanctification, and comfortableness for conformity to Christ? There is no joy more genuine than that of a clean conscience and a satisfied soul. And the Bible gives us instruction on our way to that very end.( Baptist Bible Hour)

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.“- Rom. 14:10

A friend of mine told me about a man who was always criticizing the church. This man was at church one day and he saw the custodian cleaning the floor with a brand new mop. He was infuriated! He went to the pastor and told him, “What makes you think we can afford a new mop? The old one was just fine!”

   The pastor told him it was the church treasurer’s decision to buy the mop. So the man went off to the treasurer and voiced his opinion. He was fuming, “You always talk about being short of our budget, and then you go and buy a new mop?!”

   With a smile on his face, the treasurer calmly answered the man, “You know, I’d be pretty upset too if all the money I’d given to the church over the past year was tied up in a mop!”

   Perhaps you’ve noticed that those who criticize the most tend to be the ones who contribute the least. Whether it be at church, at work, or on a project, critics and cynics are right at home pointing out problems rather than being part of the solution.
Don’t be an uncommitted critic. Work together with others in ministry and help move the mission of your church forward. Avoid being a cynic by being actively involved in the local body! ( Jack Graham)

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346